The character: Wendy Savage, a woman who has to face the reality of responsibility as she cares for her ageing father.

Previous Oscar wins: None

Previous Oscar nominations: Two

She said: "It's a big rule of mine that you do not flirt with the audience. It's not my job to tell an audience how to feel or to manipulate them. Some actors are wonderful at it, but I work another way."

The critics said: "Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney... are in peak form, and together they play off each other with the unfettered, joyous collaboration of great chamber musicians." (Entertainment Weekly)

Best frock: A red Valentino gown she wore for the 73rd Annual Academy Awards in 2001